International aeromedical solutions provider plans to address growing need for specialized medical transfers with new hangar and office complex in Hamilton
Hamilton, ON (December 15, 2023) – Today, Latitude Air Ambulance (Latitude), TradePort International Corporation and Vantage Airport Group joined industry partners and community stakeholders for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate Latitude’s facility expansion at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (Hamilton International). Latitude is an internationally recognized leader in long-haul aeromedical services, including medevac evacuations and repatriation, commercial medical escorts, worldwide bed finding services and organ transfers, flying to over 130 countries across six continents.
Latitude commenced operations at Hamilton International in 2009 with a single Bombardier Learjet 35 ambulance aircraft, medically configured to include a full airborne Intensive Care Unit. Having grown to a total of eight aircraft and safely completing over 7,000 patient transfers across the country and around the world, Latitude has reached the point of requiring a dedicated facility and today breaks ground on its new 44,000 ft2 Fixed Base Operation at Hamilton International. The new facility will include an aircraft hangar suitable for maintenance and storage of all aircraft in its fleet, provide needed space for medical equipment and storage, and include an office complex for administration and training purposes. Construction is anticipated to be completed by late 2024 and Latitude is anticipated to increase its employee levels by 50% within two years of project completion.
2022 was Latitude’s most successful year to date, completing more than 550 missions with over 5,200 total hours flown. Latitude also facilitates hundreds of missions per year for Ornge, a vital part of the Province of Ontario’s healthcare system that includes patient transfers as well as organ retrieval services for the Trillium Gift of Life Network. Latitude also works with McMaster University and the Indigenous Children Eye Examination (ICEE) Program to support delivery of eye care in communities where resources and services are limited or difficult to access. Latitude currently employs over 100 personnel at its Hamilton International base, which includes registered nurses, respiratory technicians, doctors, pilots, flight nurse coordinators, maintenance engineers, duty officers, finance and administration, sales staff and the company’s management team.
“We are investing in our operations at Hamilton International as we see significant growth potential in the medical support field for Latitude Air Ambulance and the entire region. Hamilton offers international airport capabilities, access to a large labour market and the potential for healthcare partnerships with local academia and healthcare facilities making it the ideal market for us to expand our footprint and continue to raise the bar in this industry. We look forward to further amplifying our global presence from Hamilton International as we continue our mission to be a ‘Medical Centre of Excellence’ by providing specialized healthcare solutions and lifesaving services to patients worldwide,” says Peter Byl – President and CEO, Latitude Air Ambulance.
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is an exciting advancement in Canada’s aeromedical transportation industry, starting right here at Hamilton International. As a global gateway serving a key transportation corridor, we are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Latitude Air Ambulance and offer the strategic advantages and benefits they need to meet the growing demands associated with providing vital medical services around the globe for many years to come,” says Cole Horncastle – Executive Managing Director, Hamilton International.
About John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a growing international gateway for affordable travel and the largest overnight express freight airport in Canada. The Airport is owned by the City of Hamilton and managed under an agreement by TradePort International Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Airport Group – an industry leading investor, developer, and manager of airport assets. This allows Hamilton International to incorporate best-in-class practices from around the world into its operations. As an efficient facilitator of cargo and passenger operations, Hamilton International is an economic engine and responsible community partner. Its strategic location and uncongested 24/7 operations make it an attractive option for both passenger and cargo carriers looking to serve the Southern Ontario market.
About Latitude Air Ambulance
Latitude is an international aeromedical solutions provider based in both Eastern and Western Canada. Our organization is internationally recognized for our quality medical program and exceptional customer care. We are leaders in medevac evacuations and repatriation, medical escorts, worldwide bed finding services, and organ transfers. Having now added our fourth Gulfstream 100 Astra SPX long-range aircraft to our fleet, we have solidified our global presence by offering the best patient/escort experience at rates known only to exist with the traditional Learjet aircraft. Latitude is both EURAMI Accredited and ARGUS Certified, enabling us to continue to raise the bar in this industry. We proudly service the travel insurance industry, government, and the private sector conducting close to 1,000 repatriations and bed finds per year.
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